Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 535: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq. explained
Lovelace writes to Belford from abroad, expressing his profound remorse and guilt over his treatment of Clarissa.
What happens
Lovelace writes to Belford from abroad, expressing his profound remorse and guilt over his treatment of Clarissa. He reflects on her virtue, his own villainy, and the torment of his memories. He anticipates a duel with Colonel Morden, asserting his confidence in victory while acknowledging the moral weight of his actions. He also contemplates returning to England and possibly adopting a life of penitence.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Redemption
Lovelace is tormented by guilt and remorse over Clarissa, contemplating penitence and mortification as a path to redemption.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace admits his 'cursed devices' and 'designing and intriguing spirit' deceived Clarissa, contrasting her genuine virtue with his false pretenses.
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace reflects on how he manipulated Clarissa's doubts and reserves, using his power to keep her in suspense and ultimately betray her.
Characters to notice
- Robert Lovelace
Writes to Belford, expressing deep remorse and guilt over Clarissa, and anticipates a duel with Colonel Morden.
- John Belford
Recipient of Lovelace's letter; Lovelace references Belford's role as executor and his own potential need for one.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Lovelace dwells on her virtue, generosity, and posthumous letter, calling her 'the only charmer of my soul.'
- Colonel Morden
Lovelace anticipates a duel with him, acknowledging his skill and courage but confident of victory.
- Anna Howe
Mentioned hypothetically as a contrast to Clarissa's gentle temper.
- Mr. Hickman
Mentioned in a hypothetical comparison regarding treatment of Clarissa.
Key passages
“a lady so much my own , lest, in the approaching interview, my heart should relent for one so nearly related to her, and who means honour and justice to her memory; and I should thereby give him advantages which otherwise he cannot have.”
Lovelace fears that his sympathy for Colonel Morden, who seeks to honor Clarissa's memory, might weaken his resolve in their duel.
Lovelace's internal conflict between vengeance and respect for Clarissa's memory.
“Had she been a Miss Howe to me, and treated me as if I were a Hickman, I had had a call for revenge; but a meek and gentle temper was hers, though a true heroine , whenever honour or virtue called for an exertion of spirit.”
If Clarissa had been like Anna Howe and treated him contemptuously, he might have felt justified in revenge, but her gentle and heroic nature made his actions inexcusable.
Lovelace contrasts Clarissa's virtue with other women to highlight his own guilt.
“Her very doubts, her reserves, (so justly doubting), would have been my assurance, and my glory!”
Clarissa's cautious doubts about him should have been proof of her virtue and a source of pride for him, not a reason for suspicion.
Lovelace realizes that her reservations were justified and should have reassured him of her integrity.